Lille are aiming to make it two wins from two to start the Ligue 1 season as they face the difficult task of hosting the champions on Friday evening, with PSG coming to town. Les Dogues got their season off to the perfect start last time out with a comprehensive 2-0 victory against Angers.
L'Équipe understands that Davide Ancelotti is set to make one change to the team that were victorious in their opening game of the season. The defence is set to remain unchanged, with Nathan Ngoy and Alexsandro resuming their partnership at the heart of defence.
Ancelotti's one change is set to come in midfield. Ethan Mbappé could be set to operate in a more attacking role from the right flank, which should see Ngal'ayel Mukau drop to the bench. As a result, Benjamin André is set to start alongside Nabil Bentaleb in midfield.
Olivier Giroud will continue to lead the line and captain the side.
Lille likely XI vs PSG:
Berke Özer – Tiago Santos, Nathan Ngoy, Alexsandro, Romain Perraud – Nabil Bentaleb, Benjamin André – Ethan Mbappé, Hakan Haraldsson, Başar Özal – Olivier Giroud.
The expected selection suggests Ancelotti is prioritising experience and structure for the visit of the reigning champions. André's return to the starting XI adds a combative presence in the middle of the park, while Bentaleb's ability to dictate tempo alongside him should give Lille a solid base against a PSG side that will look to dominate possession.
Mbappé's shift to a wider attacking role is an interesting call. It gives Lille an extra threat in the final third while still allowing Haraldsson and Özal to operate in the spaces between the lines. The setup appears designed to hit PSG on the break rather than engage them in an open contest.
Giroud's continued presence up front gives Lille a reliable focal point, and his experience of big European nights will be valuable in a fixture of this magnitude. The 38-year-old's leadership extends beyond his goalscoring, and his ability to hold the ball up will be key if Lille are to relieve pressure on their defence.
PSG, meanwhile, will arrive in the north with their own momentum after an opening-day win. Friday's clash at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy is the first real test of the season for both sides, and a positive result for Lille would send a clear message about their ambitions in Ligue 1 this term.
Kick-off is set for Friday evening, with Lille looking to back up their opening victory with another statement result against the division's dominant force.
Source: Yahoo Sports